Backpack device configured for carrying oversized cargo comfortably

ABSTRACT

A backpack configured for carrying an elongated object such as a hunting blind, the backpack having a bucket portion that is adjustable vertically, this bucket portion receiving therein the lower end of the elongated object or hunting blind that is attached to the backpack&#39;frame.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority date of the provisional application entitled “BACKPACK DEVICE CONFIGURED FOR CARRYING OVERSIZED CARGO COMFORTABLY” filed by Jay Robert on Dec. 27, 2005 with application Ser. No. 60/754,330, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to baggage, and more particularly to backpacks configured for carrying oversized cargo.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types and styles of backpacks are well known from the prior art. One style of backpack is typically worn by a hunter for carrying his/her hunting supplies from his/her vehicle to the location where he/she will be hunting.

It is also well known to use a hunting blind to screen off the hunter from view in the wild, thereby reducing the likelihood that an animal would be alerted to the presence of the hunter. Such blinds are typically bundled up, often in a crude carrying bag, and carried to their assembly site by the hunter. Herein, the phrase “hunting blind” is intended to be used broadly, including ground blinds, tents, duck blinds, hunting blinds, bulky structures and items, and all other such structure, regardless of whether they are “blinds” or used for “hunting” per se.

What is needed is a convenient way of combining the technology of backpacks with the use of hunting blinds so that the blinds can be more easily and conveniently carried to their remote location by the user. Embodiments of the present invention solve this need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary of the invention summarizes the features of one particular embodiment of the present invention. Other embodiments are present, but are not necessarily summarized herein.

Such an example embodiment being a backpack that is configured for carrying an elongated object such as a hunting blind. The elongated object having an upper end that extends to a lower end. The backpack having a frame portion, an attachment portion, and a bucket portion.

The frame portion is configured for being carried on the back of a user such as a typical backpack is. The frame portion having a top end opposing a bottom end thereby defining a vertical axis. Extending from and/or attaching to the frame portion is at least one attachment. The attachment for releasably attaching the elongated object to the frame portion.

The backpack further having a bucket portion extending from the frame portion adjacent the bottom end of the frame portion. This bucket portion connecting to the frame through use of at least one adjustment portion. The adjustment portion allowing the bucket portion to be adjusted upwards or downwards along the vertical axis. Thus, the bucket portion can be moved upwards, closer to the upper end or downwards, further from the upper end. This bucket portion configured for receiving the lower end of the elongated object therein. It is preferred that the adjustment portion comprise at least one (preferably two) adjustable strap(s) for allowing the bucket portion to be lowered relative to the top end of the frame. It is preferred that the adjustment portion be made of at least one cinch strap for allowing the object to be cinched to the frame portion.

It is further preferred that the present invention be provided with a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the object when the object is attached to the frame portion. It is preferred that this covered portion comprise at least one panel for covering the central portion of the elongated object.

The backpack further having an upper portion connecting to the frame at or adjacent the top end of the frame. This upper portion configured for covering at least a portion of the upper end of the elongated object when held therein. It is preferred that this upper portion have defined therethrough a closable opening. This closable opening for receiving a portion of the elongated object therethrough when the elongated object is of sufficient length so as to require the same.

It is preferred that the frame portion have at least one shoulder strap (preferably two) and at least one waist belt portion for allowing the user to wear the frame portion upon the user'back, as is typical for a “backpack.”

The purpose of the foregoing Abstract is to enable the public, and especially the scientists, engineers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection, the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The Abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the invention in any way.

Still other features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description describing preferred embodiments of the invention, simply by way of illustration of the best mode contemplated by carrying out my invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modification in various obvious respects all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and description of the preferred embodiments are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a first side view of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a first side view of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a first side view of a third embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments thereof have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

In the following description and in the figures, like elements are identified with like reference numerals. The use of “or” indicates a non-exclusive alternative without limitation unless otherwise noted. The use of “including” means “including, but not limited to,” unless otherwise noted.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, shown is one embodiment of the present invention. This figure showing a backpack device 110 configured for carrying oversized cargo. As with a traditional backpack, the backpack comprising a frame portion 120 configured for wearing upon the back of a wearer via at least one shoulder strap 122 (preferably two) and preferably a belt portion 124. Such shoulder straps and belt portions are common to backpacks that are frequently used for sporting and recreational purposes. The disclosure of these shoulder straps and belt portions along with other general backpack components is intended to be generically disclosed herein so as to cover application of various types of such components in the present invention. For instance, FIG. 1 showing the shoulder straps 122 having a padded portion that an adjustable nylon belt extends therefrom, and the belt portion showing a pair of nylon waist straps terminating in a buckle. Again, such types of shoulder straps and belt portions are common within backpack technology in general.

The backpack 110 having a top end 112 and a bottom end 114. These two ends generally defining there-between a vertical axis V. The backpack 110 having a bucket portion 160 that through at least one adjustment portion 162 attaches to the frame portion 120. While it is preferred that the adjustment portion 162 be adjustable, it is also possible that the adjustment portion 162 could be fixed and not adjustable.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the adjustment portion 162 comprises a pair of adjustable straps 164, 165. The preferred straps being comprised of nylon (or other manufacture) having an adjustment device (such as a plastic buckle) therein for allowing the straps to be lengthened or shortened. These adjustable straps 164, 165 can be taken up or let out, thereby either making the bottom end 114 (of the bucket portion) further from the top end 112, or bringing the bottom end 114 (of the bucket portion) closer to the top end 112.

The bucket portion 160 is preferably tubular in shape, having a closed bottom end thereby defining a “bucket” shape. The preferred bucket portion 160 comprised of a canvas or other traditional “backpack” fabric, however, other materials can likewise be used. The bucket portion 160 is configured for receiving the elongated object'lower end (not shown) therein. While the term “bucket” is used herein, any number of different structures could be used to hold the lower end of the elongated object, including, but not limited to, buckets and other structures for receiving the bottom end of the elongated object therein, thereon or thereto.

This elongated object, having its lower end within the bucket portion 160, could then be attached to/held by the framed portion 120 through use of one or more attachment portions 140 that could be used to attach and/or hold the middle (center) and/or upper portion of the elongated object securely to the frame. The bucket portion 160 could then be either moved upwards or downwards through use of the adjustable straps 164, 165. Such adjustment is done to change the center of gravity of the backpack 110, as it is worn by the wearer. This allows the center of gravity to be moved (generally) along the vertical axis V. The benefit of doing so is that a user can adjust the center of gravity of the backpack 110 and cargo held therein before putting on, or while wearing to adjust the center of gravity to make the pack ride better on his/her shoulders and/or hips while carrying it.

Example elongated objects include, but are not limited to, hunting blinds and large tents. These devices are long, large and bulky, and as such, being able to adjust the center of gravity upon one'back when carrying them will make a great impact in the comfort of the user as well as how far the user can comfortably and physically carry the item.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, an optional upper portion 170 comprised of a canvas or other traditional “backpack” fabric is provided for covering the upper end of the elongated object. This upper portion 170 preferably having an opening 172 therethrough closeable through suitable means, including, but not limited to, zippers, buttons, snaps, hook-and-loop (Velcro®) style fasteners, etc. Such an opening 172 allowing for the top of the upper portion 170 to be opened up so that when an extra long elongated object is utilized therewith, the elongated object'upper end can extend through the upper portion 170 and out upwards therefrom.

A second embodiment is shown in FIG. 2. This embodiment showing a backpack 10 configured for carrying an elongated object. This backpack 10 having a top end 12 and a bottom end 14. The backpack 10 having a frame portion that has extending there-from or attached thereto, suitable user attachments (shoulder straps, belt portions, etc.).

This embodiment showing an elongated object 2 having an upper end 4 and a lower end 6 held therein, attached to the frame portion. This elongated object 2 being attached to the backpack 10 through a plurality of ways. First, the elongated object 2 is received into the bucket portion 60 thereby holding the lower end 6 in place. Second, the elongated object 2 can be releaseably attached to the frame portion through use of one or more attachments 40, such as at least one adjustable nylon buckle snaps wherein the belts could be snapped around the elongated object 2 and cinched thereupon. Third, the upper end 4 of the elongated object 2 is held within an upper portion 70 that extends from the frame portion. The upper portion 70 provided an opening 72 that can be zipped or otherwise opened and/or closed. By opening the opening 72, the upper end 4 of the object 2 could be extended therethrough the upper portion 70 (as necessary), to allow the elongated object'center of gravity to be adjusted through use of the adjustable straps (discussed supra).

This embodiment further showing the cover portion 80 of the present invention. The cover portion(s) 80 comprised of a canvas or other traditional “backpack” fabric and generally cover the central portion of the elongated object that is not covered by the upper portion 70 (presuming that the upper end 4 does not extend through the opening 72) and the lower end 6 as it resides within the bucket portion 60.

The cover portion 80 may comprise one or more panels configured for covering the central portion of the elongated object. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cover portion 80 being made up of a first panel 82 and a second panel 84. This figure showing the inside of the first panel 82 and the outside of the second panel 84. In this embodiment the outside of the first panel 82 would be configured similarly to the outside of the second panel 84 and the inside of the second panel 84 would be configured similarly to the inside of the first panel 82. While this embodiment shows such a structure, other configurations are possible. The first panel 82 (inside) preferably having elastic strapping 89 thereon for allowing items to be held therein, whereas the second panel 84 (outside) preferably having a plurality of pouches and pockets 88 for allowing the user to store his equipment therein.

Both panels are provided with hook loops 90 extending from the tops thereof. Other such structure or location for said structure could be provided. These hook loops 90 (in this example) for allowing the user to remove the elongated object from the pack, assemble the elongated object (for instance, a hunting blind), unattach the panels from the pack and then hang the panels inside the hunting blind thereby giving the user (sitting in the hunting blind) ready access to equipment (duck calls, beverages, etc.) held therein.

The panels attach to the pack through any number of ways, including but not limited to, turn-buckle style connections 86, Velcro® or other hook-and-loop style fasteners, zippers, buttons, snaps, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 3, shown is a third embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2. This embodiment showing a backpack 210 configured for carrying an elongated object. This backpack 210 having a top end 212 and a bottom end 214. The backpack 210 having a frame portion that has extending there-from or attached thereto, suitable user attachments (shoulder straps, belt portions, etc.).

This embodiment showing an elongated object held therein. This elongated object being attached to the backpack 210 through a plurality of ways. First, the elongated object is received into the bucket portion 260 thereby holding the lower end in place. Second, the elongated object can be releaseably attached to the frame portion through use of one or more attachments (not shown), such as at least one adjustable nylon buckle snap, wherein the belt could be snapped around the elongated object and cinched thereupon. Third, the upper end of the elongated object is held within an upper portion 270 that extends from the frame portion. The upper portion 270 provided with an opening 272 that can be zipped or otherwise opened and/or closed. By opening the opening 272, the upper end of the object could be extended therethrough the upper portion 270 (as necessary but not so shown in this Figure), to allow the elongated object'center of gravity to be adjusted through use of the adjustable straps (discussed supra).

This embodiment further showing the cover portion 280 of the present invention. The cover portion(s) 280 is comprised of a canvas or other traditional “backpack” fabric and generally cover the central portion of the elongated object that is not covered by the upper portion 270 (presuming that the upper end does not extend through the opening 272) and the lower end as it resides within the bucket portion 260.

This embodiment showing the cover portion 280 comprising a pair of overlapping panels (282, 284) configured for covering the central portion of the elongated object. The panel'282, 284 outside surfaces configured with one or more pouches and/or pockets 288 for allowing the user to store his/her equipment therein. In the embodiment shown, the outer portions of the panels show bulging outwards as if holding therein (within the pockets 293, 294) small folding chairs or bottles of water.

The panels attach to the pack through any number of ways, including but not limited to turn-buckle style connections 286, Velcro® or other hook-and-loop style fasteners, zippers, buttons, snaps, etc.

Other possible features/uses of the present invention include, but are not limited to, taking the pack apart and using just the frame as a meat pack frame; using the pack without any elongated object held therein; having a pull-out bow pocket; a pair of pockets on the outside configured for carrying bottles of water, chairs, or other devices; backpacks having a bottom (bucket) that can be adjusted upwards or downwards; the combination of a hunting blind and a backpack; and the combination of a backpack having removable panels.

The exemplary embodiments shown in the figures and described above illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should be understood that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed; rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims. While the invention is not limited to use with hunting blinds/tents, it is expected that various embodiments of the invention will be particularly useful with such devices. Hence, the foregoing description should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined in the following claims.

While there is shown and described the present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that this invention is not limited thereto, but may be variously embodied to practice within the scope of the following claims. From the foregoing description, it will be apparent that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. 

1. A backpack configured for carrying an elongated object having an upper end extending to a lower end, said backpack comprising: a frame portion configured for being carried on the back of a user, said frame portion having a top end extending to a bottom end thereby defining a vertical axis; an attachment portion extending from said frame portion, said attachment means for releaseably attaching said elongated object to said frame portion; and a bucket portion extending from said frame portion adjacent said bottom end, said bucket portion connecting to said frame through use of at least one adjustment portion, said at least one adjustment portion configured for allowing the distance from said top end to said bucket portion to be changed, said bucket portion configured for receiving said lower end of the object therein.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the said object when said object is attached to said frame portion.
 3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein said cover portion preferably comprising at least one panel.
 4. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising an upper portion connecting to said frame, said upper portion configured for covering at least a portion of the upper end of the object.
 5. The backpack of claim 4, wherein said upper portion having defined there-through an opening configured for closing, said opening configured for receiving a portion of the object therethrough.
 6. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said frame portion comprises at least one shoulder strap and a belt portion for allowing a user to wear said frame portion upon the user'back.
 7. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said attachment means comprises at least one cinch strap for allowing the object to be cinched to said frame portion.
 8. The backpack of claim 1, wherein said at least one adjustment portion comprises at least one adjustable strap.
 9. The backpack of claim 8, wherein said at least one adjustment portion comprises two generally parallel adjustable straps.
 10. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising: a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the said object when said object is attached to said frame portion; an upper portion connecting to said frame, said upper portion configured for covering at least a portion of the upper end of the object; at least one shoulder strap and a belt portion for allowing a user to wear said frame portion upon the user'back; and wherein said attachment means comprises at least one cinch strap for allowing the object to be cinched to said frame.
 11. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising at least one shoulder strap and a belt portion for allowing a user to wear said frame portion upon the user'back, wherein said at least one adjustment portion comprises at least two generally parallel adjustable straps and wherein said attachment means comprises at least one cinch strap for allowing the object to be cinched to said frame.
 12. The backpack of claim 11, further comprising a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the said object when said object is attached to said frame portion, and an upper portion connecting to said frame, said upper portion configured for covering at least a portion of the upper end of the object.
 13. A backpack configured for carrying an elongated object having an upper end extending to a lower end, said backpack comprising: a frame portion configured for being carried on the back of a user, said frame portion having a top end extending to a bottom end thereby defining a vertical axis, said frame portion further comprising at least one shoulder strap and a belt portion for allowing a user to wear said frame portion upon the user'back; an attachment means extending from said frame portion, said attachment means for releaseably attaching said elongated object to said frame portion, wherein said attachment means comprises at least one cinch strap for allowing the object to be cinched to said frame portion; a bucket portion extending from said frame portion adjacent said bottom end, said bucket portion connecting to said frame through use of at least two generally parallel adjustable straps, said adjustable straps configured for allowing the distance from said top end to said bucket portion to be changed, said bucket portion configured for receiving said lower end of the object therein; and a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the said object when said object is attached to said frame portion.
 14. The backpack of claim 13, wherein said cover portion preferably comprising at least one panel.
 15. The backpack of claim 13, further comprising an upper portion connecting to said frame, said upper portion configured for covering at least a portion of the upper end of the object.
 16. The backpack of claim 15, wherein said upper portion having defined there-through an opening configured for closing, said opening configured for receiving a portion of the object therethrough.
 17. A backpack configured for carrying a disassembled hunting blind, said disassembled hunting blind having an upper end and a lower end, said backpack comprising: a frame portion configured for being carried on the back of a user, said frame portion comprising a pair of shoulder straps and a belt portion for allowing a user to wear said backpack, said frame further comprising at least one cinch strap for allowing the disassembled hunting blind to be cinched to said frame portion; and a bucket portion extending from said frame portion, said bucket portion connecting to said frame through use of a pair of adjustable straps, said adjustable straps allowing the bucket portion to be adjusted thereby changing the center of gravity of the disassembled hunting blind attached to said frame portion.
 18. The backpack of claim 17, further comprising a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the disassembled hunting blind when said disassembled hunting blind is attached to said frame portion, said cover portion preferably comprising a pair of overlapping panels configured for attaching together.
 19. The backpack of claim 17, further comprising an upper portion configured for covering the upper end of the disassembled hunting blind, said upper portion connecting to the frame, said upper portion having an opening therethrough configured for closing, said opening configured for receiving a portion of the dissembled hunting blind therethrough if so desired by the user.
 20. The backpack of claim 17, further comprising: a cover portion for covering at least a portion of the disassembled hunting blind when said disassembled hunting blind is attached to said frame portion, said cover portion preferably comprising a pair of overlapping panels configured for attaching together; and an upper portion configured for covering the upper end of the disassembled hunting blind, said upper portion connecting to the frame, said upper portion having an opening therethrough configured for closing, said opening configured for receiving a portion of the dissembled hunting blind therethrough if so desired by the user. 